Brainerd & Baxter host their own ribbon cuttings for new bike lanes and paved trail

Getting people moving and active was the message today in Brainerd and Baxter. The two cities each held their own ribbon cuttings. Brainerd opened the city’s first bike lanes on Willow Street, while Baxter celebrated their new paved trail at Riverview Park. The purpose of Brainerd’s new bike lanes is to promote being active and safety.
Brainerd recently repaved Willow Street and the Brainerd Bikeable Walkable Committee says the only cost to the city was the paint to outline the new bike lanes. They also say they hope to add more bike lanes in the future.
At Riverview Park in Baxter the city designed a paved trail to allow better access for everyone from bikes to strollers and wheel chairs.
Mayor Olson says because Baxter has the 3rd most Mississippi river frontage after the Twin Cities, Baxter is trying to add a greater variety of parks, not just for playgrounds and sports. Adding the paved trail to Riverview Park helps create a quieter setting to enjoy the Mississippi River.
Both cities hope to expand on their projects, Brainerd looking to add more bike lanes to their roads and Baxter adding a boardwalk over a wetlands in their park.